JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The ageing population presents both opportunities and challenges. Both global and national statistics have shown that increase in longevity is also marked with increase in the duration spent in poor health. A key measure of healthy ageing is the ability to lead an independent life. This has implications not only for the individual’s quality of life but also for society as a whole; loss of independence with age is associated with increased economic burden and reduced workforce productivity. Understanding and subsequently addressing these age-related declines (slowing or reversing them) is critical in improving the health and societal challenges faced by the older adults. Most studies were focused on the Western populations thus demonstrating the scarcity of such interventions and its potential in a multi-ethnic Asian population.

Objective:

We aim to examine whether our four-year intervention packages can, over four years, significantly slow down the normal rate of ageing-related decline in cognitive function, brain structure and function, as well as ageing-related salivary biomarkers. We will also measure the economic impact of such interventions in a cost-benefit analysis.

Methods:

We propose three ecologically valid intervention packages (cognitive stimulation, physical activity, or both combined) and aim to assess them against control. We will target a sample representative of the population of community-dwelling ageing citizens in Malaysia (aged 60 and above). The five projects to this study are as elaborated.

Results:

Briefly, primary outcomes will include the changes in cognitive scores (MoCA), electroencephalogram (EEG) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); association between Everyday Problem-Solving (EPT) task, savings and cognitive function; cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of intervention; as well as changes in salivary biomarkers (lactoferrin, c-reactive protein and telomere length).

Conclusions:

We hope that this will provide evidence-based insights on healthy ageing and thus contribute to improving overall quality of life associated with ageing. Clinical Trial: The Sunway University Research Ethics Committee has reviewed and approved the study (SUREC2020/039). This trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06376656.